With scientists looking into the effects of footballers heading the ball and dementia, we are answering the question – can children head the ball in football?

Research has been being conducted for sometime on whether heading the ball in football has detrimental effects to the footballers brain health. Neuropathologist and professor Willie Stewart has been investigating the pathologies of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and their link with neurodegenerative disease. For the last few years, his research focus has been the brains of athletes, particularly football players.

This research has led to changes being implemented by the FA which have a particular effect on youth football. 

Within this article, we will be answering the question – Can children head the ball in football?

Can children head the ball during football. Image shows a young boy smiling during a Socatots class.

Can Children Head The Ball In Football?

The answer to this question is dependent on the age of your child. 

The Football Association (The FA) introduced a rule that has removed deliberate heading in grassroots youth football. This new rule is aimed at under-11 games and below, and will cover all league, club and affiliated school matches.

This new rule came in after the FA guidelines previously banned headers in practice and training sessions for children under the age of 12.

Introduction Of This New Rule 

The new rule was properly introduced in the 2024/25 seasons after first being tested out for over two seasons.

The header ban began within all under-seven to under-nine matches. It is set to and expand to the under-10 level in 2025-2026, and the under-11s the season after.

So, as of right now, children under 10 can no longer deliberately head the ball. In the 2026/27 season, this will extend to children under 11. 

What Will Happen If A Child Does Head The Ball? 

Under this new rule, if a child heads the ball deliberately, the opposite team will be awarded an indirect free kick. This will be taken at the point the ball was headed, or if in the penalty area, the game will restart at the nearest sideline of the penalty area.

Why Has The New Rule Been Introduced? 

This rule was introduced because the FA want to limit the risk factors that come with football as much as they possibly can. They continue to play a leading role in reviewing and improving the safety of the game of football, including investing in and supporting multiple research projects in adult football to gain a greater insight and understanding of this complex area.

The research into heading the ball in football is very clear that it could lead to potential cognitive and neurological issues in later life so, in introducing this rule, the FA is protecting people from the risk of heading the ball whilst they are young children. 

Can Children Head The Ball In Football? 

If your child is under 10, the answer is no. 

If your child is under 11, the answer is soon to be no once the 2026/27 seasons starts. 

At Socatots, we deal with children who are much younger than this new rule applies to and our football classes are filled with games, activities and music that will help your child develop thief football skills, their motor skills, their cognitive skills and their social skills. 

And no headers in sight. 

We hope you have found this article helpful. If you would like to know more about our football classes, please click here to find your local class.